Standard Common Name

Silver Lightfish

Alternative Name/s

Silver Lighthouse Fish, Lighthouse Fish

Identification

The Silver Lightfish is an elongate, compressed fish. Its dorsal fin is positioned well in front of the anal fin. Rows of light organs run along the ventral surface of the body. There are two light organs near the eye, one in front and one behind. The mouth has large canines. The species is dark brown above, lighter brown to pink on the sides and black below. Parts of the head are silvery.

Size range

The species grows to 30 cm in length.

Distribution

The species occurs in temperate marine waters of the southern hemisphere, except off South America. In Australia it has been trawled from off New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.